Stage 22

Erlanger Hütte (2541 m) – Forchheimer Weg – Maisalm (1631 m) – Ötztal-Bahnhof (704)

Information:
Route:	steep path, footpath, (sealed) road
Requirements:	surefootedness, good head for heights, good physical condition
Difficulties:	none; stable weather conditions essential
Equipment:	standard hiking equipment
Walking time:	approx. 9 hrs.; 2-day hike
Changes in elevation:	approx. 500 meters climbing, 2350 meters descending
Highest point:	2660 m
Distance:	approx. 19 km
Lodging, refreshment stops:	Erlanger Hütte, Maisalm
Access/Exit points:	from Umhausen to Erlanger Hütte (approx. 4 ½ hrs. up and 3 ½ hrs. down; alternatively taxi from Umhausen to Vordere Leierstalalm from where takes 2 hrs. up to Erlanger Hütte and about 1 ½ hrs. down); Taxi Scharfetter: +43/(0)5255/5858

Two Days On Vorderer Geigenkamm

If it wasn’t for Maisalm above Roppen in Oberinntal where you can spend the night on your way from Erlanger Hütte to Ötztal-Bahnhof you would be forced to climb down 2350 meters in one day … From Erlanger Hütte the trail descends via Umhausen, crosses a few slopes, climbs up to a ridge and drops steeply down to Tumpen Tal. Cross the valley and climb to Murmentenkarjoch between Weiter Karkopf and Murmentenkarspitze. Past Murmentenkarjoch the trail descends in a northern direction and travels along a ridge down to the small Forchheimer bothy (2443 m; a basic mountain shelter left unlocked and available for anyone to use without charge; sleeps four; walking time from Erlanger Hütte: 3 hrs.). The trail contours along the ridge to Hahnenkamm which is circumvented through a scree field to the east. Mutzeiger is the next landmark on this scenic hike along Vorderer Geigenkamm. From Mutzeiger the trail heads down to Mutkopf and to Muthütte (not serviced) where you leave the ridge. Continue down until you reach a cartroad and follow it to Maisalm (approx. 6 hrs. from Erlanger Hütte; walking times in the info block refer to the entire stage) where you spend the night (book in advance!). The next day you continue along a road, then a footpath, then another road to Roppen. In Roppen you follow the road parallel to the rail tracks in an eastern direction, from River Ötztaler Ache you continue on the Ötztal Mountain Bike Trail to Ötztal-Bahnhof.